Clip apparatus for closing septal defects and methods of use

Claim 1

An apparatus for closing a septal defect, comprising: a clip formed from an elastic material having at least two penetrating tines and an opposing retaining end, the clip having a relaxed configuration in which the tines are inflected back on themselves, the clip being biased so as to project the at least two penetrating tines distal to the opposing retaining end, wherein when the bias is removed, the at least two penetrating tines move laterally apart from one another, a tubular member comprising proximal and distal ends and a lumen therebetween, the distal end having a size for insertion into a blood vessel, the clip being carried within the lumen such that the penetrating tines are disposed distally to the retaining end; a pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen, the pusher member comprising a distal end disposed proximate to the retaining end of the clip, the pusher member being movable axially relative to the tubular member for ejecting the clip distally from the lumen; and at least one axially disposed clip-retaining groove located in an inner surface of the tubular member.

Claim 2

An apparatus for closing a septal defect, comprising: a clip formed from an elastic material having at least two penetrating tines and an opposing retaining end, the clip having a relaxed configuration in which the tines are inflected back on themselves, the clip being biased so as to project the at least two penetrating tines distal to the opposing retaining end, wherein when the bias is removed, the at least two penetrating tines move laterally apart from one another, a tubular member comprising proximal and distal ends and a lumen therebetween, the distal end having a size for insertion into a blood vessel, the clip being carried within the lumen such that the penetrating tines are disposed distally to the retaining end; a pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen, the pusher member comprising a distal end disposed proximate to the retaining end of the clip, the pusher member being movable axially relative to the tubular member for ejecting the clip distally from the lumen; and at least one axially disposed clip-retaining groove located in an inner surface of the tubular member.

Claim 3

An apparatus for closing a septal defect, comprising: a clip formed from an elastic material having at least two penetrating tines and an opposing retaining end, the clip having a relaxed configuration in which the tines are inflected back on themselves, the clip being biased so as to project the at least two penetrating tines distal to the opposing retaining end, wherein when the bias is removed, the at least two penetrating tines move laterally apart from one another, a tubular member comprising proximal and distal ends and a lumen therebetween, the distal end having a size for insertion into a blood vessel, the clip being carried within the lumen such that the penetrating tines are disposed distally to the retaining end; a pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen, the pusher member comprising a distal end disposed proximate to the retaining end of the clip, the pusher member being movable axially relative to the tubular member for ejecting the clip distally from the lumen; and at least one notch located in the distal end of the pusher member for engaging the retaining end of the clip.

Claim 4

An apparatus for closing a septal defect, comprising: a clip formed from an elastic material having at least two penetrating tines and an opposing retaining end, the clip having a relaxed configuration in which the tines are inflected back on themselves, the clip being biased so as to project the at least two penetrating tines distal to the opposing retaining end, wherein when the bias is removed, the at least two penetrating tines move laterally apart from one another, a tubular member comprising proximal and distal ends and a lumen therebetween, the distal end having a size for insertion into a blood vessel, the clip being carried within the lumen such that the penetrating tines are disposed distally to the retaining end; a pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen, the pusher member comprising a distal end disposed proximate to the retaining end of the clip, the pusher member being movable axially relative to the tubular member for ejecting the clip distally from the lumen; and at least one notch located in the distal end of the pusher member for engaging the retaining end of the clip.

Claim 5

A method of closing a septal defect within a patient's heart comprising the steps of: providing a clip having at least two penetrating tines and an opposing retaining end; advancing the clip, in a biased state, through the patient's vasculature until the clip is disposed within the first chamber of the heart adjacent to the septal opening; directing the at least two penetrating tines through a flap of tissue to expose the at least two penetrating tines to the second chamber of the heart; moving the tines of the clip in laterally opposing directions so as to bring the flap of tissue into engagement with the septum wall to at least partially close the septal opening.

Claim 6

A method of closing a septal defect within a patient's heart comprising the steps of: providing a clip having at least two penetrating tines and an opposing retaining end; advancing the clip, in a biased state, through the patient's vasculature until the clip is disposed within the first chamber of the heart adjacent to the septal opening; directing the at least two penetrating tines through a flap of tissue to expose the at least two penetrating tines to the second chamber of the heart; moving the tines of the clip in laterally opposing directions so as to bring the flap of tissue into engagement with the septum wall to at least partially close the septal opening.